Bus / van + ferry
Standard route via Sihanoukville, most popular and practical
Private car + ferry
Door-to-door transfer with flexible stops
Separate tickets
More control over timing and ferry choice
Train combinations
Indirect, slower and less practical
Quick answer: The most common way to travel from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong Sanloem is by bus or van to Sihanoukville then a ferry to the island. Travel time typically ranges from about 4.5–6 hours and prices start from around US$28–50 depending on transport type and season. The most popular and budget option is to travel by bus + ferry via Sihanoukville.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 150–270 km depending on route and starting point.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~4–5 hours for bus/van + ferry, ~8–9 hours if using slower train/ferry combos, flights/ferry ~5–6+ hours.
- 💰 Price range: from ~US$23 up to ~US$50 or more for higher-comfort options.
- 🚕 Best for comfort: Van or private transfer to Sihanoukville then fast ferry.
- 🚆 Best for budget: Standard bus + ferry combination.
Last updated in March 2026
From Phnom Penh to Koh Rong by bus, train, taxi + ferry.
Travel distance from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong via Sihanoukville is about 270 km. The most popular option is bus/van + ferry via Sihanoukville. Bus or train tickets to Sihanoukville cost about $10-16/pp and ferry tickets to Koh Rong cost about $13-17/pp.
Travel time by bus/van + ferry is about 4-8 hours. Ferries arrive at various locations such as Koh Toch Port, Long Set Beach, Coconut Beach or Sok San Beach. Tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
Koh Rong is one of Cambodia’s most popular islands. You can travel by bus + ferry, train + ferry or private taxi + ferry via Sihanoukville. There are no direct flights to Koh Rong because the island has no airport. You can also travel via Kampot and check the weather in Koh Rong before your trip.
| Transfer Mode – Phnom Penh to Koh Rong | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan + Ferry | 4–8 hours | $23–45 per person |
| Train of Royal Railway + Ferry | 8–10 hours | $23–35 per person |
| Taxi / Car + Ferry | 3.5–5 hours | $100–320 per vehicle |
How do you get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?
1. BUS + FERRY from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
👉 Bus + ferry is the cheapest and most popular way from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and most solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–6 hours (bus + ferry combined)
- ✔️ Price: $22–37 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses/minivans + ferries with seating)
- ✅ Best option: Giant Ibis bus + GTVC Speed Boat ferry
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets in advance and double-check departure and arrival points.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong is by bus or minivan + ferry via Sihanoukville. This transfer has 2 steps: first travel to Sihanoukville, then continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Rong.
A) Bus / Minivan from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Buses and minivans from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville are operated by companies such as Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Larryta Express, Capitol VIP, Airbus and others. Travel time is about 2.5-5 hours and tickets cost around $10-20/pp.
Departure and arrival points vary by company. Tickets to Sihanoukville can be searched and booked online in advance.
1. BOOK TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
B) Ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong
The second step is a ferry or speedboat to Koh Rong. Boats usually depart from Sihanoukville Port and arrive at places such as Koh Toch Port, Long Set Beach, Coconut Beach or Sok San Beach.
The ferry ride takes about 30-60 minutes and costs around $12-17/pp. Operators include Buva Sea Cambodia, GTVC Speed Boat, Speed Ferry Cambodia and Island Speed Ferry. Tickets can be booked online and mobile e-tickets are usually accepted.
| Operator | Departs | Arrival | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong Island Trans. | 00:00 | 04:00 | $14.00 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 00:45 | 05:00 | $33.90 |
| Koh Rong Island Trans. | 01:30 | 05:00 | $24.00 |
| Go Ho Travel | 03:00 | 10:00 | $23.50 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 04:00 | 09:15 | $33.90 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 05:00 | 09:15 | $33.90 |
| Sovan Rithy Express | 06:30 | 10:30 | $21.00 |
| RA Express VIP | 07:00 | 10:30 | $21.60 |
| Sovan Rithy Express | 07:30 | 11:30 | $21.00 |
| RA Express VIP | 08:00 | 11:30 | $21.60 |
| Koh Rong Island Trans. | 08:30 | 12:30 | $25.00 |
| RA Express VIP | 09:00 | 12:30 | $21.60 |
| CP Express | 09:30 | 15:30 | $38.25 |
| Virak Buntham Express | 10:00 | 15:15 | $33.90 |
| SIMA Express | 10:30 | 16:30 | $33.80 |
| Sovan Rithy Express | 11:00 | 15:00 | $21.00 |
| Koh Rong Island Trans. | 11:30 | 15:30 | $25.00 |
| Koh Rong Island Trans. | 12:30 | 16:30 | $25.00 |
| RA Express VIP | 13:00 | 17:45 | $21.60 |
| Sovan Rithy Express | 13:30 | 17:30 | $21.00 |
2. TRAIN + FERRY from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
👉 Train + ferry is a scenic but slower way from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking a unique and relaxed journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~9–10 hours
- ✔️ Price: $20–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train + modern ferry with seating)
- ✅ Best option: Royal Railway train + GTVC Speed Boat or Speed Ferry Cambodia
- 💡 Tip: Plan ahead due to limited train schedule and allow time for transfer in Sihanoukville.
Another option is to travel by train + ferry via Sihanoukville. This route has 2 steps: a Royal Railway train to Sihanoukville followed by a ferry to Koh Rong. Total travel time is about 9-10 hours.
A) Train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
The Royal Railway train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 6 hours. There is usually only 1 train per day, so advance booking is recommended. The route also passes through Kampot, making it a good option for travelers who want to explore more of Cambodia.
1. BOOK TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
B) Ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong
From Sihanoukville, continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Rong. The crossing takes about 30-60 minutes and ferries are operated by companies such as Buva Sea Cambodia, GTVC Speed Boat, Speed Ferry Cambodia and Island Speed Ferry.
3. TAXI + FERRY from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
👉 Taxi + ferry is the fastest and most comfortable way from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking speed and comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~3.5–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $100–330 per car (taxi + ferry per person extra)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car + modern ferry)
- ✅ Best option: SIMA Car or Glassflower + GTVC Speed Boat
- 💡 Tip: Book both parts in advance and confirm pickup location.
The fastest and most comfortable option is a private car + ferry via Sihanoukville. This transfer has 2 steps and takes about 3.5-5 hours in total, but it is also the most expensive way to reach Koh Rong.
A) Taxi / Car from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Private transfers from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville are offered by companies such as SIMA Car and Glassflower. Travel time is about 2.5-4 hours and prices range from $85-310/car, depending on the vehicle type. Smaller cars are cheaper, while SUVs and minivans are suitable for groups.
1. BOOK TAXI / CAR to Sihanoukville ➜
B) Ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong
From Sihanoukville, continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Rong. The crossing takes about 30-60 minutes and tickets cost around $12-17/pp. Mobile e-tickets are usually accepted and can be booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Phnom Penh to Koh Rong:
How to book tickets from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?
You can book tickets online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. Ferry tickets from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong can also be booked separately.
What is the travel time from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?
Bus or minivan + ferry takes about 4-8 hours, train + ferry about 8-10 hours, and private taxi + ferry about 3.5-5 hours.
How far is Koh Rong from Phnom Penh?
The travel distance via Sihanoukville is approximately 270 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?
Bus + ferry costs about $23-45/pp, train + ferry about $23-35/pp, and private taxi + ferry about $100-325 per vehicle.
What is the cheapest way to get to Koh Rong?
The cheapest option is usually a bus or minivan combined with a ferry via Sihanoukville.
What is the best transport option?
For most travelers, the best balance of price, comfort and convenience is bus + ferry via Sihanoukville.
Where do ferries arrive on Koh Rong?
Ferries can arrive at Koh Toch Port, Long Set Beach, Coconut Beach, Sok San Beach, Heaven Beach and other locations around the island.
Can I travel by train to Sihanoukville?
Yes, the Royal Railway train operates between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, with stops in Kampot and Kep.
Is there an airport on Koh Rong?
No, Koh Rong has no airport. The nearest airport is in Sihanoukville.
Where can you travel from Sihanoukville?
You can also travel to Koh Kong by bus or minivan. It is a quieter destination located about 240 km north of Sihanoukville.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
Traveling from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong requires a transfer via Sihanoukville, combining road or rail travel with a ferry or speedboat journey.
- Travel Early: Morning departures help you connect with ferries and avoid unnecessary overnight stays.
- Choose Your Island Area: Ferries arrive at different beaches such as Koh Toch, Long Set Beach or Sok San Beach.
- Allow Connection Time: Leave enough time between your bus, train or taxi arrival and ferry departure.
- Pack for the Boat: Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light rain jacket during wet season.
- Book Tickets Ahead: Ferry departures can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.
- Check Return Schedules: Some ferry services have limited departures in the afternoon or low season.
- Prepare Cash: Small USD bills are useful for snacks, tuk-tuks and local services.
Tip: Bus, train, taxi and ferry tickets from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong can be searched and booked online in advance.